Subarmalis or gambeson?

[Draugr the Greedy]

I'm no expert on roman armor, however I know a bit about medieval armor. There's no such thing as a 'gambeson' in mainland Europe until the 12th century. What's more is that quilted garments in use under armor don't appear before the late 13th/early 14th century or sometime thereabout.

I don't know what padding was worn under mail in the 5th century, if any (and yes there's definitely enough indication to conclude that you could wear your mail without much padding just fine I'd say), but it definitely wasn't a gambeson.

I know people who fight with SCA rattan sticks and others who fight with blunt steel swords, who reckon that their mail works perfectly fine worn over a single woollen tunic

That confirms my views on the topic. Also if it's not too much to ask, is there any chance you could point me to some of them? Wouldn't mind a chat about the topic